50 Years Ago, a Computer Pioneer Got a New York Subway Race Rolling

Peter Samson at the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen in Manhattan. Five decades ago, Mr. Samson used M.I.T.'s most advanced computer to calculate the most efficient route to ride the entire subway system in the shortest time.

Credit:Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Fifty years ago, Peter Samson, one of the inventors of Spacewar, considered the world's first video game, began another craze underground.